How to achieve great things in 2017 (even if you’re not a goal setter!)

If the mere thought of setting New Year’s resolutions leaves you feeling as cold as an icy January morning, then don’t despair - you don’t have to be a goal setter to make 2017 your most successful yet!

In fact, according to research conducted by Bupa, nearly half of us have given up on our New Year’s resolutions by the end of January. So, if you are one of those people who find goal-setting counter-productive and demotivating, follow our expert advice on how to embrace changes in your life and achieve great things in 2017.

5 Steps to making 2017 your most fulfilling year yet

Say ‘yes’ to opportunities that come your way

This is often easier said than done. It can be tempting to stay in your comfort zone – but it’s only by moving into your stretch zone that you will be at your best and find fulfilment. So whether it’s agreeing to more responsibility at work, taking up tennis or signing up for a voluntary position, say “yes” to something new and reap the rewards of greater confidence. As Richard Branson said, “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!”

Be confident in your own abilities

As a mum, we are often so focused on everyone else’s needs and achievements that it’s all too easy to lose sight of our own. So take the time to reflect on what you are good at – the strengths and skills that make you ‘you’. These could be skills gained through work, such as attention to detail or the ability to manage others, or broader life skills such as great interpersonal skills and the ability to put people at the ease. Put pen to paper and write them down in order to boost your self-belief and give you the confidence to go out there and achieve great things.

Trust your gut feeling

We are often our own worst enemy – talking ourselves out of things before they’ve begun. So my advice for 2017 is to stop over-analysing things and trust your gut instinct about what feels right for you.   Going around in circles can result in indecision and leave you feeling stuck in a rut. Instead, trust your judgement and go for it!

Keep pushing the boundaries

People who are successful in life have the ambition and drive to keep improving their situation. So, a top tip for 2017 is to keep striving onwards and upwards by asking yourself ‘what else could I be doing that would be fulfilling or interesting?’ For example, if you’ve decided to return to work but feel your digital skills are really out of date, you could find a social media course to keep raising your game. Remember, it’s not about setting outlandish goals, it’s about taking small steps to help you grow in confidence in whatever field you are interested in.

Get yourself back on course

It’s entirely normal to feel off-course at one time or another during the year. Perhaps, you feel you are not doing enough exercise or are struggling to juggle work and family life? Whatever the situation, the secret is to tune into how you are feeling about the different areas of your life and make adjustments accordingly. For example, if you are worried you are neglecting your friends, make the time to get in touch and put dates in the diary to meet with them. By course correcting in this way, you will feel more in control and this will help you design the life you want in 2017.

I hope these top tips will give you the inspiration to make great things happen for you in 2017. Good luck and we’d love to hear how you get on!

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